The 8-10  week period is associated with a change in perceptual motor function, with general movements shifting from large range writhing movements to fidgety movements which are described as  "small movements of moderate speed with variable acceleration of the neck, trunk, and limbs in all directions".

In this video of Will at 8 weeks you see some of the typical features of  postural and movement control seen at this age. 

► Small range fidgety movements are present, with less spontaneous large range writhing movements of the limbss being seen.

► Will has good control of the head, maintaining the midline position easily and turning his head to follow events in the environment

► Will is learning to keep the trunk steady when moving the limbs.  The ULs  help to stabilise the trunk when kicking. 

► With the head in the midline the ULs rest on the support surface.

► Typically at this age rotation of the head may be associated with the fencing position, being influenced by the asymmetric tonic neck reflex. However, this positioning of the ULs is not obligatory and depends on the context. 

► Will pays visual attention to toys dangled within easy reach, but makes very few movements towards the toy.

► Exploratory movements of the upper arm on the support are seen, but not many movements of the hand on the body and support surface. 

Return to  Hand Function 

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